BlackRock Digital Assets Executive Joins $1.3 Billion Ethereum Holder SharpLink Gaming

Joseph Chalom, former lead at BlackRock’s Digital Assets division, is now Co-CEO at SharpLink Gaming, significantly enhancing the company’s Ethereum portfolio. SharpLink holds approximately 360,807 ETH worth around $1.3 billion and aims to leverage Ethereum for staking rewards and decentralized finance. Chalom’s vision focuses on strengthening financial services through Ethereum, marking a pivotal moment in institutional interest in the crypto space.

In a significant shift within the crypto landscape, Joseph Chalom, the former lead of BlackRock’s Digital Assets division, has stepped into the role of Co-CEO at SharpLink Gaming, a major player in the Ethereum market. This transition highlights a growing institutional interest in Ethereum as a robust solution for treasury management and decentralized finance (DeFi).

SharpLink’s Ethereum Holdings
SharpLink, now one of the world’s largest holders of Ethereum, has amassed an impressive portfolio of approximately 360,807 ETH, currently valued at around $1.3 billion. Additionally, the company has been actively leveraging its Ethereum holdings to generate staking rewards, amassing 567 ETH through strategic staking operations. This move is seen as a strong endorsement of Ethereum’s capabilities and its potential to attract institutional investment.

Chalom’s Vision and Experience
Chalom’s appointment comes shortly after his successful tenure at BlackRock, where he played a pivotal role in launching the $10 billion iShares Ethereum Trust, which became the fastest ETF to reach such significant asset milestones. His vision for SharpLink is centered on utilizing Ethereum’s infrastructure to enhance financial services and bolster the company’s strategic direction in the DeFi space.

“I am joining SharpLink because I see a powerful opportunity to help shape the future of financial infrastructure and decentralized finance,” remarked Chalom, emphasizing the company’s commitment to embracing the Ethereum ecosystem.

His expertise in unlocking the potential for institutional adoption of digital assets will undoubtedly contribute to SharpLink’s aspirations for growth in this rapidly evolving sector.

Industry Recognition
Chairman Joseph Lubin, a notable figure in the Ethereum community and founder of the ConsenSys development studio, praised Chalom’s extensive impact on the digital assets space. He stated,

“Few executives in the world have had the kind of impact Joseph has had in unlocking institutional adoption of digital assets.”

 

Future Directions
Current CEO Rob Phythian will transition to the role of President, continuing on the board as Chalom spearheads SharpLink’s Ethereum-focused investment strategy. With Ethereum’s appeal steadily growing among institutional players, SharpLink’s ambitious plans signal a transformative period for both the company and the broader crypto market, reinforcing the significance of Ethereum in institutional portfolios.